Finland – winter fun for all ages!

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Imagine cosy log cabins, crackling campfires, snow covered trees and reindeer sleighs swishing through the snow. Plus, there are other activities too: skiing, snowmobile safaris, husky dog sledding, ice fishing, cross country skiing and more. This is Finnish Lapland, new to the Crystal Ski 2011/12 winter brochure.
But this is not all. The original people of Lapland, the Sami, bring a timeless touch to the place. They have carved out simple lives in the Arctic wilderness for centuries. Step into an age-old world of reindeer herding, husky farms and ‘kotas’ – tepee-shaped huts – that welcome you with blazing log fires and hot berry juice.
And, of course, there is Santa. He is everywhere. We are talking secret cottages and fairylit villages where cheeky elves turn out gingerbread cookies in their workshops, and reindeer pulling present-stacked sleighs.
As for resorts, Ruka, north of Kuusamo and close to the Arctic Circle by the Russian border, is the premier ski destination in Finnish Lapland with 20km of pistes as well as plenty of kids’ activities and things like snow safaris on the doorstep. Prices are from £445 per person for 7 nights (based on six sharing a 2 bedroom apartment) in the four-star Ruka Suites including flights from Gatwick and transfers, self catering, departing on either the 8th, the 15th or the 22nd of January 2012.

Then there is Iso-Syöte, south of Kuusamo, a small ski resort with the hotel and cabins at the top of the fell offering all the snow you can handle, from white-satin fells to frozen forests. Prices are from £465 per person for 7 nights (based on six sharing a 2 bedroom cabin) in the Iso-Syöte Cabins including flights from Gatwick and transfer, self catering, departing on the 8th, the 15th or the 22nd of January 2012.
Last but not least, Lapland has one final surprise up its sleeve. The farther north you go, the more likely you are to catch the Northern Lights. These twinkling red and green ribbons regularly drape the sky on clear nights.
The season starts on Tuesday 13 December 2011 and last departure from Gatwick to Kuusamo is on 19 February 2012.

Other activities include
– Visit Santa’s secret home
– Snowshoe walking trip
– Ice fishing
– Starlit snowmobile safari into the wilds
– Husky speed safari
– Reindeer safari, tour and feed
– Visit to the Amethyst mine
– Fun in the snow and learn the skills of outdoor living including making a fire, checking nets under the ice and more
– Cross country skiing
– A traditional Finnish wilderness sauna